ISTANBUL - British Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw said Friday Britain wishes to see north of Iraq free of PKK.
Straw delivered a speech in a conference titled "Turkey and EU: Partnership for Security and Prosperity" at Bogazici University in Istanbul.
Turkey has an extremely important strategic position, he stated.
"Turkey's strategic importance is not merely due to its geographical location, connecting east and west but also because of who Turkey is and its progressing character," Straw indicated.
"Turkey is world's 16th biggest economy. With its current position, Turkey is very close to European standards compared to many years ago," Straw remarked.
"Turkey is a bridge between the EU and Islamic world. The EU would reach 1.5 billion of Muslims via Turkey's membership," Straw noted.
Straw told that Turkey will help the EU gain a highly prominent perspective.
"Turkey is a country that understands the region very well. Turkey is very influential in the region. There are many reasons that show that Turkey's membership in the EU is vital. Turkey has positive relations with Iran and contributes to stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As such, Turkey's entrance into the EU must be made easier," Straw added.